The Congress is virtually incapable of passing any reforms unless they first get permission from the powerful special interests who are most affected by the proposal.
Stemming the tide of special interest campaign cash - and restoring fiscal responsibility in Congress - is no easy task. But there is one place where concerned citizens in both parties can begin: Changing the source of money that funds all campaigns.
Restoring and maintaining a great nation's fiscal health will require not just sound arguments and an engaged public but something more. It will require an electoral system that encourages our representatives to place the long-term interests of the public ahead of parochial special interests.
We need a new generation of leaders who can put their country over their political party to do what's right for Kentucky and are not bought off by special interests.
I will give everyday Kentuckians a voice in Washington - not just special interests or the wealthiest 1%.
While Matt Bevin only helps his special interest donors, I care about expanding access to affordable health care for our families and making sure workers have the training and skills they need to get good-paying jobs.
While Matt Bevin helps insiders, wealthy CEOs and special interests, I'm running to be a governor who works for Kentucky families who are still struggling to get ahead.
This is about right vs. wrong - and focusing on our values of faith, family and hard work so we can help Kentucky families who are falling behind. While Matt Bevin cares about the special interests, we're fighting to improve public education, expand access to health care, protect pensions, and create more good-paying jobs.
In Maine, we are fortunate to have a Clean Elections system that allows legislators to turn down corporate special interest money. At the national level, Congress should follow Maine's example by empowering the voices of small donors.
We pay a price when special interests win out over the collective national interest.
